For those who don't feel like cooking extensively in the evening and still want to eat healthily, there is, drumroll, DoorMeals. DoorMeals is an initiative by the super fit Hannah Vreugdenhil. We don't understand how she runs such a successful business and is still found in the gym every day, so we asked Hannah about her week. And her guilty pleasure is something you wouldn't expect... Shall we read on?
Hannah, how nice that you are participating in this interview! You are the founder of DoorMeal, so we want to hear all about it. How did DoorMeal actually come about?
DoorMeal was born during my ‘journey’ to a fit lifestyle. In January 2012, I decided to take responsibility for my own life and choose a lifestyle that makes me feel energetic and good. I started exercising a lot, but soon realized that nutrition plays an incredibly large role. Suddenly, I found myself in the kitchen every day preparing my meals. And to think that I had never cooked for myself before this!
Being in the kitchen became more than a necessity; I found immense joy in it, and it truly became a passion. I shared this passion on Instagram, and as a result, I received requests from my followers asking if they could order my meals. In the summer of 2013, my then-boyfriend Tom Barten and I ended up in Bali, where he asked me the question: “Hannah, what do you really want to do in your life?” I had just completed my bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Organizational Science and was starting my master's in Culture Organization and Management. “I would really like to provide people with delicious, healthy, and honest meals...,” I said very softly. “Then let's just make that happen!” Tom said with full enthusiasm.
Every day there are different meals to choose from. How do you come up with them each time?
Hahaha yes, I sometimes wonder that too! We love to be inspired by different cuisines, seasonal products, personal taste, and, most importantly: the feedback from the DoorMealers.
What does a day at DoorMeal look like for you?
’In the morning, I start by answering emails, organizing orders, and checking supplies from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. Then I go to the gym from 7 to 8 and am in the kitchen around 8:30. I discuss the necessary things with my chef and then, around 10 AM, I jump back behind my computer. From 10 AM to 12 PM, it's time to map out new dishes; sometimes I take new photos, answer emails, and write blogs. This is often a race against the clock, but a nice challenge! Then I have meetings for the rest of the day and am busy mapping out the ordered DoorMeals, sticking labels, and writing personal notes for the customers. Then around 5 PM, the administration starts, the least fun part of a business. After work, I occasionally dive into the gym to clear my head, and in the evening, I ask a few DoorMealers how they liked their meal. Around 10:30 PM, it's been enough, and I dive into bed!
Do you still cook in the evenings, or do you just enjoy a DoorMeal meal?
Haha oops, I happened to tell someone last week that I moved in April and have never used my kitchen. Every day I eat three DoorMeals. However, I still try new things in the DoorMeal kitchen because cooking is still definitely a passion of mine.
Do you eat differently on weekends than during the week?
Yes, if I go out to eat, it's on the weekend. But DoorMeal is available 7 days a week, so I still have a few DoorMeals!
How do you kick off the weekend on Fridays? Do you do that with a glass of alcohol, or is that not your thing?
No, no alcohol for me. I stopped drinking three years ago, and I haven't missed it for a moment. On rare occasions, I might have a drink, but that will maybe be 2 or 3 times a year. Friday night is actually just like any other night for me. But on Friday nights, I really enjoy doing something with friends.
Is the weekend a time for you to exercise a lot, or do you prefer to do other things and exercise during the week?
I actually exercise almost every day, so the weekend is no exception. However, weekends are all about family and friends for me. I am very attached to my mother, and on weekends we make sure to have some quality time together, like going to the sauna.
What does your ideal Sunday look like? Anything goes!
Wow, that's a tough question! I usually wake up around 5 or 5:30 AM, and then I would love to have a leisurely breakfast with a good book. Then around 8 AM, I would hit the gym to train at my own pace (without time pressure!). I would absolutely love to spend an entire afternoon cooking with my chef and end with a barbecue on the beach with friends and family. That barbecue must be quite far away, by the way.
What are your guilty pleasures on the weekends?
I have a way too big love for chocolate ice cream. Scandalous, but every weekend it's a must! Haha.
And now for the last question. Unfortunately, Monday means the weekend is over again. What time does your alarm go off?
Fortunately, I never wake up to my alarm but on my own. Quite early, between 5 AM and 5:30 AM.



